“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:6)

The Associated Press recently published an article entitled “Mother Teresa Had Her Dark Days,” in which it was stated that she “was afflicted with feelings of abandonment by God from the very start of her work among the homeless children and dying persons in Calcutta’s slums.”  The article continued, “This experience persisted until her death five decades later, except for a brief interlude in 1958.”  She suffered from depression throughout most of her adult life.

Many have a high regard for Mother Teresa, by the way, but others do not.  Some who are not of her religion have difficulty in relation to her and that’s too bad.  In the light of her life, you have to ask, “What IS a Christian anyway?”  Far too many simplistically conclude that if you’re a member of “MY” group, you’re OK!  And if you’re not, you’re not!  Such people miss a lot in life.  Let’s look at her credentials.

We will see her from the perspective of Jesus, for He is what Christianity is all about.  He said you must be “born again,” in John 3:3 and 7, defining this experience as “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).  How do you become “born again”?  Jesus told us: “Even so must the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) be lifted up (crucified), that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15).  BELIEVE in Jesus and you are “born again.”  He said, “He who believes in Him is not condemned” (John 3:18).  She believed in Him.

You have to wonder, what are Christians supposed to be like?  How are we to be known?  For one thing, God expects we will RESPOND to His “call”.  Jesus pointed out that “MANY are called, but FEW (are) chosen” (Matthew 20:16).  We are “chosen” by our simple willingness to say “Yes” to Him.  Mother Teresa said “Yes” to the Lord.

We are defined by our love.  Jesus’ commands were that we should love: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37, from Deuteronomy 6:5), and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, from Leviticus 19:18).  You are to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44), and to “give” (Matthew 5:42).  Mother Teresa loved and gave abundantly.

Let’s look at her life, in the light of Jesus’ words and commands.

She was born in 1910, of Albanian parents who lived in Macedonia, in the north of Greece.  In 1928, she joined a religious order in Ireland.  In 1946, she had a transforming experience in which, she said, Jesus instructed her to start a new work, which she did, creating hospices and hospitals initially in Calcutta, but then all across India.  The way she first responded to His call is interesting for we are told she started by simply bringing a sick “Untouchable” back to her apartment, nursing him until he died.

There is a “caste” system in India, separating people on the basis of color and other minor differences.  A large segment of the population is not even “touched” by others.  It was to these “poorest of the poor” she went, and she touched, comforted, and loved millions.  As the Lord led, she did.  By the time of her death, the “Missionaries of Charity” (founded by her) numbered 4,000 “sisters” from 123 nations.  Nigerian born Bernadette Ewah said, “She represents love, particularly to the people we don’t want to see.”

Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu took the name Sister Teresa and was later known as Mother Teresa.  She BELIEVED in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He “called” her and she went.  She loved millions of people, especially those who were not loved by others.  She was and is a “Christian” in every way.  And she suffered from depression.

As the Associated Press article stated, “Mother Teresa was afflicted with feelings of abandonment by God from the very start of her work among the homeless children and dying persons in Calcutta’s slums… This experience persisted until her death five decades later, except for a brief interlude in 1958.”  She wrote, “I want God with all the power of my soul – and yet between us there is terrible separation.”  She continued to believe in the Lord and in His call, and yet she suffered inside.

It was in 1946 that she “enjoyed vivid experiences of God’s love and immediate presence,” leaving the convent school after a call to the slums.  She went, reporting that she heard His “voice” – “I want to use you for My glory. Wilt thou refuse?”  It’s important to note that when you are squarely in the center of God’s will, “spiritual warfare” will occur: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).  An enemy will attempt to steal from us.

God will be pleased when you follow Him, but the enemy will not be pleased.  Paul, who experienced depression, said “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:6).  Jesus was certainly in the center of the Father’s will on the cross, and yet He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).

The famous Florence Nightingale once said, “In my thirty-first year I see nothing desirable but death.”  Charles Spurgeon said, “Ours (the work of pastors) is more than mental work; it is heart work – the labor of the inmost soul.  How often on Lord’s Day evenings do we feel as if life were completely washed out of us!”  It’s true.  The center of God’s will can include exhaustion and depression!  William Booth, when he learned his wife had cancer, was “stunned,” saying, “I could only kneel with her and try to pray.”  We will, like Mother Teresa and these others, encounter times and circumstances that leave us “burdened beyond measure,” (2 Corinthians 1:6), but let us, like General William Booth (and Mother Teresa), “kneel” and “try to pray.”

Father, we are drawn right now to – pray!  We come to You, Lord.  We are often troubled by life, sometimes ESPECIALLY when we try to follow You.  Let us continue in Your work, Your ways, even when we think we can’t.  Enable us to rest.  Teach us to “kneel” and to always at least “try to pray.”  Thank You, Lord.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
www.FridayStudy.org
www.FirstChurchontheNet.org
www.BlessedHands.org
E-mail: Ron@FridayStudy.org
Tel: (562) 688-5559
PO Box 92131
Long Beach, CA 90809-2131
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)